Pune: Vijaykumar Dnyaneshwar Zhende, a resident of Dive (Purandar Taluka) and a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force stationed in Nagaland, has tragically passed away at the age of 36 due to dengue fever.

His last rites were performed with full state honors in his hometown of Dive. Senior officers and soldiers from the Indian Air Force and Army were present to pay their respects, offering a three-volley salute in his honor.

Among those present were retired senior civil servant Sambhajirao Zhende, Purandar Sub-Divisional Officer Varsha Landge, Tehsildar Vikram Rajput, Saswad Police Inspector Rishikesh Adhikari, Someshwar Co-operative Sugar Factory Vice-President Balasaheb Kamthe, Rahul Shevale, Dilip Valhekar, and Yogesh Kamthe, President of the Purandar Taluka Journalists' Association.

Members of the Ex-Servicemen’s Association also paid floral tributes. The ceremony witnessed a large gathering of mourners.

During his service, Vijaykumar represented India in the Indo-Russian military exercise. He also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by overseeing the transportation of oxygen from Indonesia.

Vijaykumar contracted dengue while on leave, leading to his untimely demise. He is survived by his parents, wife, brother, sister, and uncle. His father, Dnyaneshwar Zhende, is a retired Sub-Divisional Officer from the police department.